How to Hack Black Friday Sales Like a Pro

Black Friday and Cyber Monday look like a dream for bargain hunters. Flashing banners, countdown clocks, and endless “lowest price ever” tags. But here’s the catch: many of those “slashed” prices are inflated weeks before the sale even begins. Retailers & businesses raise list prices so that the final discount looks irresistible.

Before you click checkout, ask yourself: "Was this product ever really that expensive?" If you’ve seen that gadget on sale all year, chances are the Black Friday “deal” is just marketing magic. Smart shoppers track prices weeks in advance, not just during the hype.

1. Start tracking prices early Don’t wait for the big day — start a few weeks ahead. Use tools like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, or Keepa to watch historical prices. You’ll see exactly when retailers quietly bump up prices before “discounting” them again. A true deal stands out when you’ve seen the full price curve — not just the flashy markdown.

2. Abandon your cart — on purpose It sounds counterintuitive, but it works. Add your must-have item to the cart, log in, and then close the tab. Many retailers send a “We noticed you left something behind” email with a personalised discount within 12–24 hours. It’s their way of nudging you to complete the purchase — and your way of getting an extra 5–15% off just for waiting.

3. Shop during low-traffic hours Believe it or not, sales algorithms shift throughout the day. When traffic dips — late nights, early mornings, or weekday afternoons — some sites quietly release additional stock or unadvertised coupon codes. Fewer shoppers means fewer cart crashes and better chances at snagging high-demand items before they sell out.

4. Double-check shipping and return policies That “50% off” loses its sparkle when you get hit with expensive delivery fees or strict no-return clauses. Always check the fine print: shipping charges, restocking fees, and return deadlines. A slightly higher-priced product with free delivery and easy returns often ends up being the smarter buy.

5. Don’t fall for the “bundle bonus” Bundles look tempting — but half the time, they’re packed with add-ons you don’t actually need: extra cables, unnecessary accessories, or overpriced “extended warranties.” By the time you strip out the fluff, you’re back to paying close to full price. The smarter move? Choose options that already include what matters. With Cinch, everything’s upfront — free delivery, free damage protection worth up to 90%, and all-inclusive pricing with no surprise add-ons. What you see is what you pay. That’s real value — no bundles, no gimmicks, no hidden costs.

Scarcity sells, and marketers know it. Those flashing banners that scream “Only 2 left!” or “Ends in 3 hours!” aren’t always about stock, they’re about urgency. The goal is to make you act fast, not think smart. And when everyone’s rushing to “beat the clock,” that’s when most shoppers overspend or settle for deals that aren’t really deals.

Here’s a pro trick: slow down the impulse. Before you click Buy Now, leave the tab open for 24 hours. If you still want it tomorrow, it’s probably a solid purchase. If you’ve forgotten about it by lunch, you just saved real money.

But here’s the smarter twist — don’t just fight FOMO, reframe it. Instead of rushing to own something, think about how you can use it smarter. Subscription models like Cinch give you the freedom to enjoy top devices or essentials without the stress of missing out — or the fear of making the wrong choice. You can swap, upgrade, or pause whenever you need. That’s control — the opposite of FOMO.

The smartest shoppers don’t just chase discounts — they chase value. A massive markdown might feel like a win, but if the item ends up sitting unused, that “deal” turns into clutter. Instead of asking “How much did I save?”, ask “How often will I really use this?” Divide the total cost by the number of uses — that’s your true cost per use. Suddenly, a 50% off gadget you use twice doesn’t look so cheap.

Here’s the thing: owning something you rarely use costs more than accessing it when you need it. Whether it’s a tablet, a kitchen appliance, or a tech upgrade, the moment you buy, it starts to depreciate — and you take on all the upkeep, repairs, and replacements that follow.

That’s why the savviest shoppers are rethinking the whole idea of ownership. It’s not about having more; it’s about having smarter access. The value isn’t in the price tag. It’s in how flexibly, conveniently, and sustainably you can use what you need, when you need it.

Even with massive markdowns, buying outright ties up your money and leaves you with items that age fast, need repairs, or lose value the moment you unbox them. Subscribing flips that logic. You get the latest tech or everyday essentials without the upfront cost — plus the freedom to upgrade, switch, or pause anytime.

That’s exactly where Cinch changes the game. Instead of buying, you can subscribe to what you need — whether it’s a tablet, gadget, or home essential — and enjoy:

• Free damage protection worth up to 90%

• Free delivery, straight to your door

• All-inclusive, predictable monthly pricing — no hidden fees, no fine print

• Flexibility to upgrade, swap, or cancel anytime

It’s the smarter, stress-free way to own without actually owning. No buyer’s remorse. No depreciation. No repair bills. No storage clutter.

This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, play smarter. Skip the “buy now” rush and take control of your spending. Because sometimes, the best deal isn’t about owning more — it’s about accessing better.

Subscribe smarter with Cinch — all-in protection, upgrades, and flexibility in one plan. To level up your savings, check out Cinch's partnership with the likes of myhalo and Circles, where you can get the best of upgrading responsibly while powering a greener future, and enjoying the latest phones with the perfect telco plan.